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Dive beneath the waves with us as we explore two vastly different underwater romance novels featuring magical sea creatures seeking human connection. Our special "Siren" cocktail (which might taste suspiciously like brackish seawater) sets the mood for a deep dive into mythological maritime love stories.

Meghan takes us through "The Kraken's Sacrifice" by Katee Robert, where a woman named Catalina signs a surprisingly ethical contract with a demon and finds herself matched with Thane, the widowed Kraken King. What follows is a progressive, consent-focused romance featuring tentacle intimacy and emotional healing that earned it a "habanero" on our Spicy Scoville Scale. The book's surprising depth explores trauma recovery, self-worth, and the intimate connection that can develop through shared activities like board games.

Meanwhile, Nicole introduces "The Selkie" by Melanie Jackson, set in 1920s Scotland. When American secretary Hexy Garrow accidentally summons Selkie prince Rory by crying into the ocean (it was just allergies!) and mistakenly takes his seal skin, they're tied together until his fur can be returned. Their whirlwind romance spans mere days yet includes instant twin pregnancy detection and revelations about Hexy's mixed Fae and Selkie heritage. This slower-paced story, sprinkled with advanced vocabulary and vague intimacy scenes, earned a more modest "poblano" spice rating.

Both books feature otherworldly beings seeking human genetic diversity to strengthen their dwindling populations, yet approach this premise from completely different angles. From prehensile appendages (say whaaat?) to silver salt sweat, these unconventional romances demonstrate how the fantasy genre creates unique opportunities to explore connection, consent, and healing.

Join us next time as we continue our underwater romance theme with "Whispers of the Deep" by Emma Hamm and "Call of the Sea" by Emily B. Rose. We'd love to hear your thoughts on kraken versus Selkie romance. Which mythological creature would capture your heart?

Our Cocktail for the Episode -- Sirens: Sea Foam Cocktail with Gray Whale Gin

Buy The Books with our Amazon or The Ripped Bodice Affiliate Links:

Meghan's Book -- The Kraken's Sacrifice by Katee Robert

https://www.therippedbodice.com/aff/romanceontherockspodcast_26867/book/9781951329518

https://amzn.to/450gxfq

Nicole's Book -- The Selkie by Melanie Jackson

https://www.therippedbodice.com/aff/romanceontherockspodcast_26867/book/9798437859605

https://amzn.to/4jLomKr

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(the best way to get your smut while supporting a fabulous women-owned business and our podcast!)

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Credits:
Theme Music Created by Adam Wroblewski
Main Art by PersonalisePortrait